Autism & Behavior Support Specialist

Alexandria City Public Schools; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Alexandria City Public Schools is seeking an Autism & Behavior Support Specialist to deliver advanced behavior services in a K-12 environment across the division. This licensed, 10-month position reports to the Director of Special Programs and Related Services in the Office of Specialized Instruction.

Responsibilities include implementing evidence-based interventions, developing IEP goals with data collection, coaching staff, and partnering with families.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education or related field required.
• Virginia licensed with endorsement in Special Education; BCBA preferred but not required.
• Extensive knowledge of behavioral strategies for learners with autism and developmental disabilities.
• Experience developing IEPs and data-tracking for goal progress.

Responsibilities

• Provide oversight to instructional programs for learners in Autism and related programs.
• Consult with staff and parents on planning and implementing academic and behavioral supports.
• Coach teachers in classroom methods and behavior intervention procedures.
• Evaluate data and adjust instructional strategies as needed.
• Support development and monitoring of individualized behavior plans and IEP goals.

Skills

Behavioral strategies

Data collection

IEP goal development

Staff coaching

Collaboration with families

Education

Master’s degree in Psychology or Special Education

Virginia Department of Education license with endorsement in Special Education

Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) preferred

Job description

Job Description

The Autism & Behavior Support Specialist provides highly advanced behavior services in a K-12 environment for learners with autism, intellectual disabilities & emotional and other developmental disabilities across the school division. This position reports to the Director of Special Programs and Related Services in the Office of Specialized Instruction. This is a 10-month, Licensed position.

Qualifications

• Education: Master’s degree in Psychology, Special Education or related discipline required.
• Certificates & Licenses: Valid Virginia Department of Education, Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement in Special Education. Board certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) preferred, but not required
• Experience: At least 8 years of experience as a Special Education Teacher.

Minimum Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge and skills in behavioral strategies and evidence-based interventions for learners with autism, intellectual disabilities & emotional and other developmental disabilities.
• Extensive knowledge and skills in applying evidence-based strategies to enhance academic performance, social skill development, and emotion regulation within the school setting.
• Minimum of 5 years experience programming for or working directly with students with autism, intellectual disabilities &/or other developmental disabilities.
• Experience working in a public/private school setting and administering all aspects of behavioral and academic services to learners with autism and intellectual disabilities with a concentration in emotional or behavioral support is preferred.
• Effectively communicate and maintain collaborative relationships with all team members involved with the learner’s instructional program.
• Knowledge and skills in developing Individual Education Plans (IEPs), devising data collection systems to track IEP goal progress, and experience ensuring compliance with state regulations.
• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills.
• Candidates holding or working towards their Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) are encouraged to apply.

Essential Functions

• Provide oversight to the instructional program for learners in assigned city-wide self-contained Autism, Intellectual Disabilities, & Multiple Disabilities programs.
• Provide consultative support to the instructional program for learners with various disabilities in the general education setting.
• Provide technical assistance and consultation to school personnel, parents, and others concerning the planning, developing and providing of academic, social, adaptive, and inclusive programming for students with Autism & Intellectual Disabilities.
• Provide in-classroom coaching and modeling of instructional methods and behavior intervention procedures for school-based staff.
• Evaluate data and recommend specialized instructional changes based on the interpretation of data.
• Analyze academic, personal, social, and environmental conditions to better understand the variables that may impact the behavior of the learner with disabilities.
• Analyze academic demands and provide specific recommendations that will increase school staff capacity for implementing specialized instruction that will impact student success.
• Monitor the implementation of evidence-based strategies designed for learners with emotion regulation challenges or emotional disabilities.
• Participate as a key team member in comprehensive functional behavior assessments.
• Assist and support building and division staff and parents in the development, implementation, and monitoring of student behavior intervention plans.
• Participate, coordinate, or conduct various meetings, professional learning opportunities, committees, and training.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Work as a team member to develop a model instructional program in alignment with the division-wide special education plans.

Salary

• Step Placement and Salary for this position is deteremined by The ACPS Teachers and Other Licensed Staff Salary Scale

Clearances

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP